Early childhood pedagogy is situated, dynamic and complex. Traditionally, this perspective has been side-lined in favour of a unified concept premised on dominant universal western constructions of who children are and how they should be educated. Dr. Ebrahim explores the notion of a child-oriented focus as a frame to guide pedagogy. Her research discusses intentionality, participation and relational attunement as building blocks for pedagogic flexibility which is needed to drive inclusive early childhood practice.

Hasina Banu Ebrahim is the UNESCO Co-chair for Early Childhood Education, Care and Development at the University of South Africa and a Full Professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education. She serves as the Departmental Academic Lead for Research and the Chair for Mentorship in the College of Education. She served a Head of Discipline for Early Childhood Education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Free State. She received merit awards for both her leadership in research and capacity building of emerging researchers in early childhood education. She served as the Deputy President and the President for the South African Research Association for Early Childhood Education (2011-2016). She is currently a rated researcher with the National Research Foundation in South Africa and serves as the sector editor the South African Journal of Childhood Education. She also serves on editorial boards of international journals such as the European Early Childhood Education Research Association Journal and Early Years.

Research Background: In 2007 Prof Ebrahim completed her PhD on the Constructions of Early Childhood. Her research has largely been directed at addressing marginalised issues in early childhood policy, practice and teacher development. She was involved in research projects both internationally and nationally. The Knowledge Transfer Project was developed through a partnership with the University of East London and University of Warwick. She was involved in the Barriers to Learning Project funded by the National Research Association in South Africa.

Publications – Prof Ebrahim is the author of refereed journal articles, book chapters and most recently the author of a monograph on Early Childhood Education of Muslim Children. She has also co-edited special issues on Early Childhood for the South African Journal for Childhood Education and Journal of Education. She has also co-authored technical and evaluation reports on early childhood care and education.

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